Maya Padded Ring Sling

A fab sling but they excess dangling fabric gets annoying after a while, you ended up with it between your legs whilst walking...you could wrap it round the rings but it's just a faff...if you could clip the fabric up then that would work but it's just a nuisance... Do love they sling itself though.

I bought the ring sling after admiring it on another mum while on a long haul flight. It takes a bit of practice but totally worth it. It's handy and light weight.

The only thing is it claims to keepyour child warm as he is close to you, i'm not convinced and would still bundle him up before he goes in it.

It's very handy for walks in the forest and beach where prams can be awkward.

I used the Maya Wrap with baby number 3 (I have 4) and as a newborn, took a little time to get the hang of it but once mastered, it was a fabulously useful carrier. But the real joy is when they reach 5 months plus and move into the hip position - the best!!

Imagine strolling along sharing all you see, chatting, cuddling - totally repsonsive!

Baby number 4 is now 2 years and this is the most used of all our carriers (an extensive collection) and great for day-to-day use such as a stroll around the shops, the school run and more.

My little lady is up/down quite a bit now, so I don't notice her weight and we make quite a elegant pair!

The only downside, baby number 3, my little boy, misses his time in the Maya Wrap (he's four now) but occasionally, he gets a quick snuggle when his sisters not around!

Worth perservering - recommended - definitely!

My baby charge has this sling and we both love it!

I have to say the instruction DVD that comes with the sling did go on a bit and made it sound really complicated, also it was very hard finding the bit you wanted to watch as the chapter skip was a bit rubbish but I just dove right in and had a go.

I have been using the sling since my baby charge was about 4 months old (she is now 8mnths)we have tried;
* The kangroo position which she liked but I found it meant she was in the perfect position to grab everything!! It also meant she was quite in the way when I was trying to do things as she was in front of me, I imagine its a bit like beeing pregnant but your bump has arms!!
* The hip position which was mentioned by another reviewer which is our favourite as I can see what baby is up to but unlike the kangaroo position she can't grab everything!! Its just like carring them on your hip but with two free hands if required.
* The Back carry position which I liked less as although technically it is supposed to mean you can "just get on with things" the reality is it is very difficut to bend down! Also my charge didn't think much of being stuck on my back either! I think I would use for walking around if going to the zoo or local fete etc.

It can be frustraiting getting the sling in the right position at first but after practise it becomes easier. You have to place the baby where you want them to be and then put the sling round the baby and tighten.

The material at times can get bunched up in the rings making it difficult to pull through, when this happens I either re-thread or gently tease it back into position.

I always imagined that a ring sling would ultimatlty be very uncofortable as it looks as if the weight is distributed over one shoulder but I have found that it is no heavier than carrying my hand bag, most of the weight distributed across your back.

Overall I love the Maya wrap and would concider buying one for my children (when I have them!). This wrap is a bit like a bike when you first start using it, it can be frustraiting but as you use it more you become accoustomed to how to use it and soon it becomes 2nd nature.

OK I feel a bit silly as I've posted before but now my daughter is almost 7 months this has just got a lot more useful. I've been using it in a hip carry position and it's been great. Definitely would recommend. It's that 3-6 month age that I found tricky.

When a baby is very small this works quite well especially in hot weather as the fabric is light. But it's not super easy to use. The fabric can get twisted in the rings and it can take a moment to feel secure. I feel a bit daft as it's so popular internationally but it just wasn't easy.

Quite difficult to get the hang of - I find that sometimes I can get baby in a comfy position and other times I cant manage it at all. I think takes a lot of practice to know what angle to put baby in, how much material to have, technique for adjusting. Often baby seems quite squished up and hot inside. Good for babies who prefer cradle hold (lying down) to being upright if you can master it.